We’ve all heard that cats have 9 lives. But how a lot of that’s really true? Do cats appear to flee brushes with demise frequently? If the cat lives an anticipated common of years, how lengthy is that often?
According to varied research, a crossbred home cat often lives a median of 14 years, with a spread of 9 to 17 years. However, it may be for much longer, because it’s commonplace for cats to achieve their late teenagers and even their twenties. Life expectancy will depend on many elements, equivalent to the particular breed of cat, whether or not they’re neutered, their eating regimen and body weight, how typically they see the vet, and different life elements.
So, what are the issues to contemplate once you consider a cat’s lifespan? Let’s hash it out.
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How Long Does a Cat Usually Live?
Where did the expression cats have 9 lives even come from?
The Egyptian solar god Atum-Ra is related to the quantity 9. Atum was a part of a unity referred to as The Great Ennead. The different eight gods of the 9 are Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Nephthys, and Set.
Since Egyptians consider that Ra took on a cat’s kind, it was assumed that he and the opposite eight gods took on the feline’s longevity.
Nine can also be a fortunate quantity in Chinese tradition, as it’s thought of a long-lasting image. Today, many consider the idea of 9 lives has to do with luck.
There isn’t any denying that cats appear to get fortunate typically. Whether it’s barely dodging a darting automobile or touchdown on their ft from nice heights, cats appear to have the universe on their aspect.
How Old Can a House Cats Get?
Most cats are thought of seniors from age 10 onward. At this stage, your cat’s physique begins to say no naturally. As they age, your cat might develop well being points like arthritis and dental illness.
While it isn’t uncommon for cats to dwell shut to twenty years or extra, you will have to make particular lodging for them after some time. Following your vet’s recommendation is crucial right here. Your cat might have medical remedy for his or her well being issues, comfier beds to assist their joints, and a specialised eating regimen adjusted to their wants.
How to Calculate Your Cat’s Age
By the time your cat is a 12 months old, they may have lived roughly 15 human years. In the second 12 months, your cat will age 9 extra human years. With each subsequent 12 months, it totals 4 human years.
How Long Does a Healthy Cat Live
As with any species on the planet, well being points affect the life expectancy of cats. Some points are breed particular, circumstantial, or spontaneous.
Cat Illness
Many sicknesses are preventative, however some aren’t. Genetic problems and sure cancers or circumstances are inevitable for some cats. So, what are the commonest cat illnesses?
- Dental/periodontal illness
- Trauma
- Skin issues
- Lower urinary tract issues
- Kidney illness
- Joint illness
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Respiratory issues
- Cancer
Cat Sudden Death
Of course, accidents occur. Issues like animal assaults or being hit by a automobile can minimize issues off prematurely. Sudden demise isn’t one thing which you can foresee, however it may be partially prevented by conserving your cat indoors or solely letting them out in a catio or a secured backyard so they’re much less vulnerable to some of these accidents.
Cat Defects at Birth
There will be points from delivery that affect feline lifespan.
- Osteochondrodysplasia — While not at all times lethal, this bone and cartilage developmental abnormality can have an effect on your cat’s high quality of life and shorten your cat’s lifespan.
- Organ defects— Many inner defects can have an effect on the longevity of your cat.
- Disabilities—There are inherited disabilities and defects that may have an effect on many cat breeds.
Cat Breeds That Exceed Lifespan
Certain breeds have extremely lengthy lifespans for cats.
Burmese Cat: 10-17 years
Burmese cats are large-eyed beauties with stocky, athletic our bodies. According to some sources, the longest living Burmese cat lived as much as 35 years.
Siamese Cat: 10-19 years
Siamese cats are one of many solely Asian cat breeds with distinctive coats and blue eyes. The oldest male Siamese on report was named Scooter from Mansfield, Texas, who lived to see his 30th birthday.
Persian Cat: 12-17 years
There was a Persian named Crème Puff from Austin, Texas, that lived 36 years.
Neblung Cat: 15-18 years
Though there is no such thing as a “oldest” Neblung cat, they do sometimes dwell longer than different breeds.
Cat Breeds With Shorter Lifespans
Due to breeding, physique construction, and different elements, sure breeds dwell longer than others. Let’s check out the common lifespan estimates by breed:
Bengal Cat: 7-12 Years
Bengal cats have a wild look with distinctive leopard-like spots, rosettes, arrowheads, and marbling. If you’ve got the vitality to maintain up with a Bengal, this could possibly be the cat breed for you. That mentioned, the info relating to the life expectancy of Bengals varies, and so far, there aren’t any particular research which have reviewed the longevity of this breed intimately.
Maine Coon: 4-16 years
Even although Maine Coons are very robust and hardy, they nonetheless have a decrease than common lifespan.
Healthy Eating Habits for Cats
One factor to look out for in cats is poor consuming habits. The staple in a cat’s eating regimen is loads of complete protein. Cats are carnivores, so that they want at the very least 30% protein of their each day eating regimen. They additionally want wholesome carbohydrates, fatty acids, fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals.
Commercial dry kibble is among the choices available, however it doesn’t have a lot moisture. Many house owners mix moist and dry meals to reap the advantages of each. Other business eating regimen choices embrace a recent subscription meals.
Food-related points like unbalanced diets and overeating may cause many important issues later.
Regular Vet Visits
Your cat advantages drastically from common vet checkups. In the primary 12 months, your kitten ought to routinely see the vet for well being checks, vaccinations, neutering or spaying, and parasite prevention. Your vet wants to verify your kitten is on par with their milestones.
Importance of Vaccines
You can shield your felines a lot simply by maintaining with routine vaccinations. Vaccines assist shield in opposition to a number of viral or bacterial illnesses that may have an effect on cats.
Vaccines are beneficial for each indoor and outside cats. However, you must observe your vet’s suggestions with regard to the sort and frequency of vaccinations your explicit cat wants.
Immunizations put together your cat in opposition to potential infectious threats. First-year vaccinations are the start line. After the cat reaches 12 months, they usually simply want annual boosters.
Here is a chart explaining vaccine functions and an instance of a vaccination plan.
| Age | Vaccines | Purpose |
| 8-9 weeks | Panleukopenia
Calicivirus Rhinotracheitis Feline leukemia virus |
Preventing feline leukemia virus, panleukopenia virus, and viruses concerned in cat flu |
| 11-12 weeks | Panleukopenia
Calicivirus Rhinotracheitis Feline leukemia virus |
Preventing feline leukemia virus, panleukopenia virus, and viruses concerned in cat flu |
| 16-18 weeks | Rabies
Panleukopenia Calicivirus Rhinotracheitis |
Preventing feline panleukopenia virus, viruses concerned in cat flu, and rabies |
| 1-3 years | Rabies
Panleukopenia Calicivirus Rhinotracheitis |
Preventing feline panleukopenia virus, viruses concerned in cat flu, and rabies |
Non-core Vaccines embrace:
- FeLV (highly beneficial for kittens and optionally available [depending on risk] for grownup cats)
- Bordetella
- Feline chlamydia
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Cats Live?
Even although most felines have admirable life expectations, it’s nonetheless unhappy that our furry buddies can’t stick round longer. To be certain that your cat lives to achieve a ripe old age, be sure to feed them an entire and balanced eating regimen, get them neutered, take them to common vet appointments, and supply security within the home.
Hopefully, your kitties thrive properly previous their prime.
Featured Image Credit: jsmars, Shutterstock
